Tiffany Roget

If anyone tells all the other horses that Lava Man is my absolute favorite horse I will totally deny it. Even though he definitely is! (No regret, no sweat, no worry.) Mr. Beautiful dark bay horse with the fancy white striping down the center of his face boasts big-time personality matched with super high-caliber smarts.

He was as fun and dynamic to watch on the racetrack as he is to visit with in person at his retirement farm in Georgetown, KY. Old Friends Farm is a gem in the Thoroughbred racing world. If you enjoy chatting with and spoiling your bestie equine friends with carrots make a reservation asap for one of their tours.

I love returning to Old Friends year after year to check in on all the horses that brought me joy and excitement during their racing careers. Some of my top go-to guys and gals are: Game on Dude, Big Brown, I’ll Have Another, Little Mike, and Bold and Bossy.

An easy, relaxing vacay begins with a stay in Lexington where numerous hotels, restaurants and horse excursions await your consideration. Once you’ve walked the grounds (or utilized a golf cart to tool around the property) for horse encounters at Old Friends there’s a phenomenal tour company in the area worth checking out.

“Unique Horse Farm Tours” has been operating for thirty years. Shaun Washington, the company’s super knowledgable and very friendly owner, will also be your tour guide if you are fortunate. His jovial attitude and profound appreciation for all horses marks him as a treasure not to be overlooked on any visit.

Heads up on all things horse farm tours as the Kentucky Derby [Saturday, May 2, 2026] approaches. Tours fill up weeks or months in advance so hop, gallop or breeze to it 😉 if you know you’ll be in the Lexington, KY area and are looking for special, up close and personal equine meet and greet adventures.